Sultan's Choice

About Sultan's Choice

Sultan's Choice is a celebrated dish that hails from the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine. Traditionally crafted for royalty, this dish uniquely combines succulent flavors and aromatic spices that narrate a tale of opulence and rich history. Sultan's Choice has been passed down through generations, slowly evolving while still preserving the grandeur of its origins. This meal, once served in lavish banquets and feasts, symbolized prosperity and hospitality. Today, Sultan's Choice continues to captivate food enthusiasts with its exceptional taste reminiscent of an era dominated by sultans and kings.

Ingredients

• Lamb - 1.5 kg of boneless lamb shoulder
• Olive Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 2 large, finely chopped
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Cumin - 2 teaspoons
• Coriander - 2 teaspoons
• Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Rice - 2 cups of basmati or jasmine rice
• Chicken Broth - 3 cups
• Almonds - 1/2 cup, toasted
• Raisins - 1/2 cup
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste
• Mint - fresh leaves for garnish
• Flatbread - to serve

Preparation

Preparing the Lamb

Start by marinating the lamb. Cut the lamb into 2-inch cubes, ensuring consistency for even cooking. In a mixing bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then coat the lamb pieces with the spice mixture. Cover and leave it aside to marinate for at least an hour or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.

Cooking the Fragrant Base

In a large pot or a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue sautéing until aromatic. Incorporate the marinated lamb into the pot, searing each side until browned.

Cooking Process

Simmering the Lamb

Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 1.5 hours or until the lamb becomes tender. Make sure to occasionally check the pot, stirring to prevent sticking and ensuring even cooking.

Preparing the Rice

In a separate large pan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked rice and a pinch of salt. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook the rice for about 10-15 minutes or until almost fully cooked. Drain any excess water and set aside.

Final Mixing and Flavors

Once the lamb is tender, add the semi-cooked rice into the pot with the lamb stew. Stir gently to combine, allowing the rice to soak up the remaining broth and flavors. Stir in the almonds and raisins, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Serving Sultan's Choice

Once the rice is fully cooked, turn off the heat and let Sultan's Choice rest in the pot for a few minutes before serving. Spoon the mixture onto a large serving dish, garnishing with fresh mint leaves. Pair Sultan's Choice with freshly baked flatbread to scoop up the flavorful, aromatic mix.

Enjoying the Meal

For a true royal experience, serve Sultan's Choice as the centerpiece of a lavish dinner spread. Complement the dish with mezze such as hummus, baba ghanoush, and a variety of olives. Share the meal with friends and family, savoring each bite as you immerse yourself in the rich flavors and vibrant traditions of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Cooking Time Reference

For tracking the duration of each cooking stage accurately, use a reliable cooking timer and ensure that the lamb and rice achieve the perfect texture and flavor.